Hello all you star shooters. Just curious what you're using for a camera setup. I'm primarily interested in your opinions between a Ha pass like a 20Da and full spectrum setup. I know the advantages of the Ha pass filter over a normal camera. But, I'm curious how it compares to a full spectrum camera for astrophotography.

dancam wrote:
Hello all you star shooters. Just curious what you're using for a camera setup. I'm primarily interested in your opinions between a Ha pass like a 20Da and full spectrum setup. I know the advantages of the Ha pass filter over a normal camera. But, I'm curious how it compares to a full spectrum camera for astrophotography.


I have done quite a bit of astro work with modified dslr's. The 20DA is a nice choice for astro imaging and can be used for daylight work as well. I use a Hutech modified 40D and the stock filter has been removed and and UV / IR cut filter installed. This lets all the visible light through and Ha wavelenghts are recorded better.
After using the 20Da and modified 40D I much prefer the modded 40D because of its better response to astro objects.
Hope this helps.

I am currently using a modified 20D(A) with Meade LX200 10" f/6.3 Wide Field SCT with Scopetronix MaxView DSLRII.
I have also used a 20D, 5D,1DMK2, 1DsMKII, and 50D, all with vg-great results.
The 20D is easily modified to a 20DA. Yes you wont have the VERY limited "live view and a few other "bells and whistles" but the cost greatly reduces the need! The Ha filter is only $105 on Ebay and a 20D can be had for 200-300 in excellant condition here on B&S. The ripoffs of selling a 20DA for $900-1500 is scandalous!!
That being said...how it compares to a full spectrum camera? CCD or dslr with modified filters? If you want "bang for buck" go for 20DA!! I have tried many varieteis of dedicated CCD SBIG cameras and I like what the above 20D(A) does at 75% the expense!
Dan

mdbassman wrote:
I am currently using a modified 20D(A) with Meade LX200 10" f/6.3 Wide Field SCT with Scopetronix MaxView DSLRII.
I have also used a 20D, 5D,1DMK2, 1DsMKII, and 50D, all with vg-great results.
The 20D is easily modified to a 20DA. Yes you wont have the VERY limited "live view and a few other "bells and whistles" but the cost greatly reduces the need! The Ha filter is only $105 on Ebay and a 20D can be had for 200-300 in excellant condition here on B&S. The ripoffs of selling a 20DA for $500-1500 is scandalous!!
Dan
I could not agree with Dan more!!!! I have been an astronomer for 50+ years. I am presently in the "profession" here at the JHU Hubble SCL in Maryland. We continue to use the original versions of the 20DA only because they were donated to us by Canon for an endorsement. I use a Takahashi TSC225 with a SBIG CCD but mainly my 20D(A).
My students, fellow astronomers and lab tech now buy the 20D's for under $400(usually $200-300USD) plus the filter and modify the 20D themselves for class assignments and other projects.
Dan is also correct about the continued scandalous cost being asked for the original 20DA.
But if the seller gets his money, only the buyer can gripe!!
Patrick